Magic Springs
4.1(6.7K)google
3.0(105)yelp
Roller CoasterWater ParkFamilyKidsThrilling
Overview
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park, known as Magic Springs, is an amusement park and water park located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, about 50 miles (80 km) from Little Rock. The park opened in 1978, closed in 1995, and reopened in 2000. It features 38 attractions, including four roller coasters.
Practical Info
Mon11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration5-8 hours
Best TimeOperates fully from late May through early September. Arriving exactly at the 10:00 AM park opening during July and August is highly recommended to beat the long lines for the signature 'X-Coaster' and water speed slides before shifting to shaded inner-tube tracks or afternoon amphitheater concerts.
Getting ThereSituated in northern Hot Springs at 1701 E Grand Ave. Drive east from downtown on the US-70 E bypass, take Exit 4 for E Grand Ave, and the amusement park's towering roller coasters will be immediately visible. A massive, structured on-site paid surface parking lot sits right at the entrance gates.
Travel Tips
- The amusement complex enforces an ironclad ban on external food, beverages, and cooler gear. Gates security personnel physically screen all cargo; with the sole exception of one factory-sealed water flask per guest, items are confiscated on the spot.
- The main asphalt parking network is purely pay-to-park and charges premium fees. Extended RV configurations and travel trailers must deploy in specific far-edge lanes, which fill instantly; straddling standard car spaces triggers immediate wheel-locking.
- The facility operates precision convective tracking radars; a single strike inside an 8-mile safety ceiling triggers an absolute shutdown of all high-mechanical coasters and pools. No weather-related partial or full refunds are legally issued.
Reviews
Positive
- A great combo park merging thrilling steel roller coasters and a huge water park into one single admission ticket, offering good value.
- Features the legendary Arkansas Twister wooden coaster and multiple vertical-drop waterslides that deliver high-adrenaline fun.
- The park layout features clear signage, supplemented by great live outdoor lawn concerts included with admission on summer weekend nights.
- The waterpark's lazy river is clean and the splash pads are patrolled by active lifeguards, making it safe for families with young toddlers.
Heads up
- Onsite food secondary spending feels highly inflated; standard fountain drinks and basic hot dogs are marked up three to four times store retail.
- Aging ride infrastructure causes frequent unannounced all-day closures of signature steel coasters for safety checks, disappointing thrill-seekers.
- A severe lack of mature trees and shade over sizzling blacktop leads to grueling hour-long lines under direct sunlight during peak summer.
- Restrooms and rental electronic locker bays suffer a sharp decline in cleanliness by late afternoon, with slippery puddles and loose trash.